Our Curriculum - EAL

English as an Additional Language (EAL) at Birralee PS

What is EAL?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

English as an Additional Language (EAL) is a learning program designed to support students whose first language is not English. These students may need extra help to develop the English skills necessary to participate fully in classroom learning and school life. EAL helps students build their abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English, so they can communicate confidently with teachers, classmates, and the wider community.

At Birralee PS, we recognise and value the fact that many students speak more than one language. The EAL program encourages students to use their knowledge of their home language to support their English learning. We believe that maintaining and using multiple languages strengthens learning and helps students develop a strong sense of identity.  

How Does our EAL Program Work?

At Birralee, students learn English through the EAL Support Program, which takes place in small groups. These sessions run for 50 minutes, up to three times per week. In these lessons, students work on developing their English skills in a supportive environment, focusing on the areas they need most.

If your child is identified as needing extra support in English, they will be assessed by the school. Based on their assessment results, they may be offered a place in the EAL Support Program. In some cases, if a student needs more intensive support, we may refer them to Blackburn English Language School (BELS) for a short-term intensive English program before they return to mainstream classes.

In Victorian government schools, students are eligible for EAL support if they:

  • Are Australian citizens or hold a visa that entitles them to enrol in school.
  • Speak a language other than English at home.
  • Require intensive assistance to participate fully in mainstream classrooms.
  • Eligibility for the program is determined at the local school level, based on each student’s English language needs.

 

What is the Victorian EAL Curriculum?

Our EAL program is guided by the Victorian EAL Curriculum, which provides a structured pathway for students learning English. The curriculum focuses on three key areas (called language modes):

  • Speaking and Listening
  • Reading and Viewing
  • Writing

These areas are interrelated—skills learned in one often support learning in another. For example, students might learn new vocabulary by listening and reading, then practise using these words in speaking and writing activities.

The curriculum is organised into three learning pathways—A, B, and C—based on each student’s level of English and previous education experiences. This ensures that every student receives teaching that matches their stage of English learning.

Our EAL teacher leads the program and collaborates with classroom teachers to identify students requiring additional English language support. The EAL teacher plans and delivers targeted learning programs aligned with classroom instruction, making adjustments where necessary to help students succeed.

Why Do We Offer EAL?

We offer the EAL Support Program because we want every student to have the best opportunity to succeed at school and beyond. In Australia, participation in education and the wider community depends on developing strong skills in Standard Australian English. EAL helps students build these skills, so they can confidently take part in lessons, build friendships, and access future opportunities.

By supporting students in learning English while valuing their home languages, we help them develop both their academic abilities and their sense of identity. EAL ensures they feel included, capable, and confident as they grow into active members of the school, broader community and Australian society.